Demerara Under-19 team have already proven their worth as they convincingly retained the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ Hand-In-Hand Insurance Inter-County 50 over title on Friday at the National Stadium after defeating the National U-17 Select Squad by six wickets.
They are now faced with the task of retaining double honours as they commence their quest in the three day version today against Essequibo at the Police Sports Club Ground Eve, Leary.
Ashmead Nedd
And the talented unit will start as favourite when the event bowls off today at the two venues in the city.
However, the weather is expected to play a major part. It could either work in their favour or against them. But if it does not affect the outcome of any matches then in is inconceivable that the Demerara would be beaten by any of the other squads, Essequibo, the National U-17 Select Squad or archrivals Berbice.
Nevertheless cricket is a glorious game of uncertainties and an upset could be imminent once teams apply the basics and execute at the right time.
In the 50 over segment, first class, West Indies U19 and Demerara player/ captain Bhaskar Yadram, West Indies U-19 selectee Joshua Persaud, Raymond Perez, Keshram Seyhodan, Richie Looknauth and the extremely talented Renaldo Ali-Mohamed all featured in big wins for Demerara whilst they demonstrated how strong is their unit.
Kevin Sinclair
In the Ancient County’s unit, Kevin Sinclair and Javed Karim were responsible in their approach but would need a collective effort in the longer format if they are to dethrone their nemesis.
As expected Joshua Jones was hostile in the shorter format where he snatched seven victims from two matches and blasted 33 from 19 balls in one of his innings, but will need the support of the other players to enable the Cinderella County with success.
Kurt Lovell needs to produce in the middle because he wanted more opportunities, the reason he opted to represent Essequibo.
The National U-17 Squad have shown their ability competing with the U-19s but consistency in the longer format is required if they are to challenge Demerara and Berbice and even Essequibo to a lesser extent.
The county teams could be in for a few surprises against Ashmead Nedd and his troop comprising of Kevlon Anderson, Jevon Schultz, Sachin Singh, Alex Algoo, Alphius Bookie and others.
The teams are as follows: Essequibo: Mark Williams, Sachin Persaud, Kurt Lovell, Adrian Campbell, Mark Ramsammy, Joshua Jones, Quintin Sampson, Beesham Moses, Leslie Allen, Sheldon Charles, Mahindra Persaud, Chanderpaul Mohabir, Kellin Davis, Joel fortune, Azeem Habib, Loaknauth Persaud (Manager), Andy Ramnarine (Coach).
Berbice: Adrian Sukwah, Kevin Sinclair, Sasenarine Sukhoo, Veramootoo Senwasane, Javid Karim, Matthew Hardyal, Daniel Samaroo, Emmanuel Seecharran, Karan Arjpaul, Keith Simpson, Deon Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Raymond Vankenic, Steve Deonarine, Michael Newland (Manager), Adrian Amsterdam (Coach).
Demerara: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain), Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (Vice Captain), Joshua Persaud, Raymond Perez, Navendra Persaud, Ramnarine Chature, Richie Looknauth, Keshram Seyhodan, Stephon Wilson, Sagar Hatharamani, Dwayne Dick, Kishna Singh, Garvin Bodwah, Dambuka Nqgando, Darshan Persaud, Mark Jeffers, Kennard Moonsammy, Mark Ramsammy, Himanauth Dindyal, Omar Hussine (Manager), Rayon King (Coach), Dhanpaul (Assistant Coach).
Guyana Under-17: Alex Alvin Algoo, Sachin Stefan Singh, Orlando Jailall, Junior Alvin Sinclair, Kevlon Alston Anderson, Kevin Imran Christian, Robin Williams, Lance Rusell Roberts, Alphius Malcolm Bookie, Rajendra Singh, Nigel Deodat, Ashmead Romanno Nedd, Pradesh Ballkishun, Kelvin Umrao, Mark Gary Rankin, Gevon Shemar Schultz, Reyaz Khan, Qumar Tychicus Torrington, Nazeer Mohamed (Manager), Orin Bailey (Coach).
In the other match on today from 10:00h Berbice will take on the National U-17 Select Squad at Everest Cricket Club Ground.
